Analog to digital to analog?

[monster]

I have an older Sony CDP-CX200 that I'd like to use, it holds 200 cds but it's only output are the red and white rca plugs. I have a Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M that I'd like to insert between the cd player and the amp. I hooked up the CA dac to an older bluray player to listen to some cds and I was impressed and hope to get similar results with the jukebox. I've ordered a cheap analog to digital converter but I'm thinking it's possible that it can make things worse instead of better. Anyone want to set me straight? Should I continue to just play the cds without the dac? I've had the Sony for so long that I no longer have the manual to see if there's a built-in dac like there is in the next generation jukebox which even has an optical output. I'm guessing not. It wouldn't be the end of the world if I had to continue playing the jukebox with the current setup but dag it's impressive the difference it makes and would be nice.

 

[shadders]

I have an older Sony CDP-CX200 that I'd like to use, it holds 200 cds but it's only output are the red and white rca plugs. I have a Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M that I'd like to insert between the cd player and the amp. I hooked up the CA dac to an older bluray player to listen to some cds and I was impressed and hope to get similar results with the jukebox. I've ordered a cheap analog to digital converter but I'm thinking it's possible that it can make things worse instead of better. Anyone want to set me straight? Should I continue to just play the cds without the dac? I've had the Sony for so long that I no longer have the manual to see if there's a built-in dac like there is in the next generation jukebox which even has an optical output. I'm guessing not. It wouldn't be the end of the world if I had to continue playing the jukebox with the current setup but dag it's impressive the difference it makes and would be nice.

Hi,
I had a quick look at the manual of the unit online, and there is only the analogue outputs on the unit. Therefore, this unit does have a DAC else there would be no analogue output.

If you are using the analogue output of the CDP-CX200 into an ADC, then into the CA DAC, the final sound will only be as good as the weakest link in the chain, so probably the CDP-CX200. The filters in the CA DAC will change the final sound, but you will not reap the benefits of the CA DAC IC.

Regards,
Shadders.

 

[insider9]

I agree with Shadders that the weakest link will determine sound quality here. Where I disagree is which it will be. My guess would be it will be the cheap ADC. OP, I don't know your player but wouldn't be surprised if it sounded better than the DAC you're trying to hook it up to.

 

[monster]

Shadders thanks for reminding me that there has to be some kind of DAC in the CDP-CX200 otherwise it would be just a transport, I got caught up in getting the signal to the DAC Magic that I overlooked that. When played alone the sound seems thin. Insider9, I agree that the ADC will be the weakest link although it took me a minute to figure out what ADC meant. 🤔 I've held on to just about every piece of AV equipment I've bought over the past 35 years and am always looking to use my old pieces when I can.